National Disaster Response Force to have more battalions

New Delhi, Aug 20 (ANI): The Union Cabinet today approved the upgradation of two additional battalions for National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).

The proposal approved by the Cabinet includes upgradation/conversion of two standard battalions, i.e one each from Border Security Force (BSF) and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) respectively into NDRF battalion with 1149 personnel each to be located at Patna (Bihar) and Vijaywada (Andhra Pradesh).

Procurement of disaster response equipments, vehicles, dogs, communication equipments and other essential equipments to operationalize these two NDRF battalions have also been sanctioned.

An expenditure of Rs.79.58 crore (non recurring) and Rs.72.08 crore (recurring) for this upgradation/conversion has been approved.

The placement of NDRF Battalions at Patna and Vijaywada will cut short the response time for immediate intervention by NDRF battalion in a disaster situation like floods, cyclone, and earthquake and also man made disasters in eastern U.P., Bihar and North Bengal and in the eastern coast especially in Andhra Pradesh, Southern Orissa and Northern Tamilnadu.

It will also help in quick intervention during any disaster or threatening disaster and ensure prompt search, rescue and relief operations, thereby upgrading the Government's capacity to respond effectively and promptly to citizens in distress.

National Disaster Response Force is a multi-disciplinary, multi-skilled and high-tech Force capable of effectively responding to all types of disasters.

It follows the concept of pro-active deployment during any threatening disaster situation to avoid delay in response. (ANI)